Señorita’s Mexican Grill
One of The Best Mexican Restaurants In Jersey
One chilly night last week, Ali, her man and I went to Señorita’s. It was the first night we’d been out together in a long time, and I was really looking forward to it.
The first thing we noticed is that this two-story restaurant really stands out on its street; it is well-decorated and upscale-looking. However, we did not look out of place in jeans. The beautiful lighting, ornate furniture, great salsa music (not too loud) and bright, festive colors, really created an inviting space. This seemed like a great place for a date or a night out with friends. We hoped the food was at least half as good as the decor.
A waitress came by within moments to take our drink order and brought a basket of chips and salsa. The chips were thick, salty and seemingly homemade; they weren’t just a free throw-away, they were great. The salsa was a tad watery but fresh and delicious. A good sign of things to come.
I was really tempted to try their chipotle wings or ceviche as appetizers, but the plates on everyone else’s tables told us the portions would be hefty. So I ordered a chicken chimichanga (because it came with guacamole). The others had a chicken burrito and quesadillas.
The chicken in my chimichanga tasted as though it had been marinating for hours in red salsa; it was juicy and flavorful. The fried dough it was wrapped in wasn’t too crispy, so it wasn’t dried out. It enveloped the chicken really well. Ooo.. I can’t wait to go back. The guacamole was not the best I’ve ever had, but it was good, and I was too full to even try the rice and beans that came with the dish.
We were all super pleased with our meals and felt encouraged to come back again — we noticed musicians going up to the second floor and hoped that meant they have live music some nights (we weren’t able to confirm this). We definitely have to return at least to try their margaritas. They also have several Mexican beers, with Dos Equis on tap. In bottles they have Corona, Negro Modelo, Sol, Bohemia, Tecate, and Pacifico. They also offer several tequilas.
Don’t go to Chevy’s, Chili’s, or some other so-called Tex-Mex Mexican chain the next time you’re hankering for some mole or enchiladas. Go to Señorita’s — definitely one of the best Mexican restaurants in the area. Even though I haven’t been to every Mexican place in our state, I feel comfortable declaring it great in comparison to some of the places I really enjoyed in Mexico, as well as some of the family-owned places in New York and Brooklyn. Authentic and enjoyable.
Oh, and despite the upscale appearance, the bill for three people was just $40 plus tip!
Señorita’s Mexican Grill
285 Glenwood Ave
Bloomfield
(973) 743-0099
http://www.senoritasmexicangrill.com/
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Burritos, fajitas, chimichangas, and tacos dominate most menus, offering a choice of beef, chicken, steak, or shrimp. Mini-burritos are also offered if one feels that a full-sized burrito would be too large for one person (I estimate the regular-sized burritos are at least a pound, although I forgot my pocket burrito scale at home). Baby back ribs and chicken wings/fingers provide an alternative to those who are not as eager to indulge in the Mexican cuisine. Pancho’s also features a special brunch on Saturdays and Sundays featuring huevos rancheros (eggs) and chorizo among other Mexican dishes. The dish that looks most curious is green eggs and ham - the color comes from a green tomatillo sauce. In addition, the availability of a low-carb menu and vegetarian dishes bolsters Pancho’s motto of “Eat burritos, live longer.” And don’t expect plates of bland vegetables, either; the low-carb menu features burritos, quesadillas, and wraps. Vegetarian dishes include a portabello salad and meat-free wraps.
For me, no authentic Mexican experience would be complete without a margarita or freshly made fruity sangria. Pancho’s offers margaritas frozen or on the rocks in several flavors including strawberry, mango, peach, and melon. The sangria is filled with fresh fruit and made on the premesis. The bar offers several beers on tap as well as in bottles, including Corona, Tecate, Negro Modelo, and Dos Equis, as well as Bud, Rolling Rock, and Heineken. Pancho’s has about 15 tables indoors and, during warmer weather, the patio features several tables for outdoor dining. Pancho’s also offers take out and delivery and an adjacent parking lot is rarely full.
